Business Exports Administrative Burden 2020-11-19
2020-11-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by UK businesses seeking to export, specifically those starting to export and those looking to increase their exports.
What discussions she has had with business representatives and Cabinet colleagues on reducing the administrative burden on businesses seeking to export for the first time or increase their volume of exports?
I talk regularly with businesses, business representatives, and ministerial colleagues about how we can make exporting easier for businesses across the country. That is why I was delighted to announce our new Scottish trade hub in September, which is staffed by expert trade advisers and dedicated to helping Scottish firms to grow internationally.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about specific discussions with business representatives and Cabinet colleagues on reducing the administrative burden for exporting. The Minister did not provide details of these discussions but instead highlighted a new trade hub initiative.
Changing Subject To Recent Initiatives
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the difficulties faced by small businesses, especially those not VAT-registered, in acquiring an economic operator registration and identification number required for exporting to the EU.
Around 250,000 businesses export to the EU but not elsewhere. Many of them are small and not VAT-registered, making it hard to reach them. To continue trading post-Brexit, they need to go through a lengthy process to get an economic operator registration and identification number. As the party committed to reducing red tape, what action is being taken by the Government to reduce this burden for SMEs exporting to Europe?
We are working to engage with businesses, and I recommend that all businesses go to gov.uk/transition for practical steps. However, Scottish businesses are more concerned about Scottish independence than business support, which would shrink Scottish business opportunities.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about specific actions taken by the government to reduce administrative burdens on SMEs exporting to Europe. The Minister changed the subject to concerns over Scottish independence.
Changing Subject To Political Concerns
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on UK hauliers and traders, as highlighted by Rod McKenzie from the Road Haulage Association.
Rod McKenzie from the Road Haulage Association warned that under a no-deal scenario, lorry drivers would have to rely on European Conference of Ministers of Transport permits. Only 4,000 permits are available but more than 40,000 are needed, potentially stopping up to 90% of companies trading with Europe. What assurances can the Minister give today that traders and hauliers will experience minimal disruption?
We have been working to engage with businesses, provide easements on customs up to July 2021, and minimise challenges as we end the transition period. However, Scottish businesses are more concerned about the impact of Scottish independence on trade within the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for assurances regarding minimal disruption in a no-deal Brexit scenario. The Minister changed the subject to concerns over Scottish independence and its impact on intra-UK trade.
Changing Subject To Political Concerns
Response accuracy